I have made this telescope and am more than pleased with the results , the plans are spot on i did have to tweak a few things as I used some different materials in places ie 18mmx 18mm for baffle supports the fillet piece 18mm ply as I used plumbing pipe for the focuser and a little bit more depth gave me more strength gluing in pipe joint in place. I am happy with the results of the focuser as I did not fancy gluing card and paper this seemed way to messy and would take to long if you would like photos of my focuser let me know, will send you photos. This alternative clean cheap and easy.

I have nearly finished the woodworking side. I went along with 12mm struts - but had them cut and planed in a hardwood to 12mm at a local wood yard, as I didn't fancy cutting down ply-wood. The fillet was extended very slightly as I may "cheat", and have allowed room for a commercial focusser! - we'll see. Also, I could not get my hands on 3mm ply for the skin of the OT, so I went with 6mm and the overall strength an squareness is v.good. I hope this doesn't cause problems with the balance - may have to counterweigh.

I too want to grind a mirror - I have managed to track down Jean Texerau's "How to Make a Telescope". Green Witch in Cambridge have these, Call Neil/Wendy on 01954 211 288 .They offer a first class service! I also have a much older book "Handbook for Telescope Making" (1962) by N.E. Howard - I think there is on on eBay. Next one will be the ATM book by Stephen Tonkin who I'm sure will offer a wealth of experience on the subject.

I will be doing a lot of reading first before I endevour.... I hope there are many more posts with advice from others who have successfully made there own mirrors - in particular, sources for the necessary materials.

You wont have any balancing problems if you do the broom handle test when you are ready to attach your main bearings .I was worried about that as well but made sure that the cradle and bearings were quite tight with a strip of carpet tile in between keeps the scope in position even if balance is not spot on .

Please keep me posted with how you get on with your mirror or any interesting things you discover.

So far, I have completed the tube assembly and cradle woodwork for the scope. I have written[u] twice[/u] to Camden ATM Soc. enclosing a SAE's but after a few weeks now I still have not had a reply. I am a little dissapointed.

Do you - [S@N] have a contact email or phone number so I can obtain a parts/price list to continue with your featured project?

The whole project has ground to a halt as I need parts to complete - like teflon bearings etc...

I have spent time and money on this project - only to be ignored by its author.

Thanks Will. Just as my patience ran out, guess what, it has arrived in this morning's post with a covering letter apologising for his delay. Perhaps a little note to yourselves explaining the situation may have alleviated our disappointment in the lack of response.

Anyway that aside we can now continue on and look foward to working further on the project with their help.